The reason ice decline is such a concern is melting ice changes earth's energy budget. White sea ice reflects between 50 to 70 percent of the Earth's solar radiation thus moderating earth's temperature. As the sea ice melts, dark blue ocean opens up. Ocean water reflects about 6 percent of Earth's solar radiation. The remainder gets absorbed in the ocean. As more of the ocean opens up,more of earth's solar radiation gets absorbed thuswarming Earth's average temperature. These percentages account for the fact that ice is white and the ocean is blue. To read more, visit http://nsidc.org/cryosphere/seaice/processes/albedo.html.

So here is what we can do to curb global warming and stop the Arctic ice cap from melting completely. The keys are the three R's (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle).

Reducing means using energy/electricity as a precious resource. Use only what you need (when you are not in your room, turn off the lights and when you leave your home turn off the air-conditioning (AC)). When you do use electricity, use it wisely (run the AC at a temperature that keeps the house comfortable and not freezing cold).

Reuse. Use reusable shopping bags when you go to the grocery store. Use the same cup when you buy coffee or another beverage at your local store.